World Cup 2026 Daily Match Day ImagePost

It starts today. Mexico vs South Africa at the Azteca (3PM ET) and South Korea vs Czechia in Guadalajara (10PM ET) — the first two matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Shakira and Burna Boy premiere 'Dai Dai' at the opening ceremony. Son Heung-min plays his likely final World Cup. The CNTE teachers' protest blocks Azteca roads. Full Opening Day briefing.

One day out. Shakira spotted backstage at Estadio Azteca. Spain close warmups 30 games unbeaten. Messi's hamstring cleared. Declan Rice gets the vice-captain armband. Ronaldo plays his final pre-tournament match tonight. Here's everything you need for Opening Day.

The 48-team era starts Thursday. Six matches across three days — Mexico vs South Africa at Azteca, Brazil vs Morocco in New Jersey, USA vs Paraguay in LA. Michael Olise's hat-trick lit up France's final warm-up. The shocking Somali referee story. Azteca's historic third opener. And the odds: Spain (+420) and France (+460) co-favorites.

Everything you need for Opening Day — June 11, 2026. Mexico vs South Africa at the historic Azteca, Korea vs Czechia in Guadalajara, the biggest pre-tournament storylines, stars to watch, and the Twitter hype around the first-ever 48-team World Cup.